Bhindi sabji is most commonly a dry okra curry prepared in  North Indian households. It is moderately spiced and takes a slightly long time to cook than other vegetables. It has the flavor of Indian spices.

Ingredients and Preparation

Bhindi, also known as Ladies finger, also called as okra, is the main ingredient for making bhindi sabji. Other ingredients like onion, tomato can also be used to enhance the flavor. Indian spices like turmeric, red chilli powder, coriander seed powder, dry mango powder and cumin are used.

Okra can be cut into small circles or long pieces. There are many ways of cooking okra. The most common method is by cooking in a wok with little amount of oil. All the ingredients are cooked till okra tastes cooked. Generally no water is added to okra as it becomes sticky when water is added.

Serving

Bhindi sabji is served with chapatti, roti or puris

Popular Variations

·         Akra bhindi – Okra is first deep fried and then spiced. This gives it a crispy texture.

·         Bharwan bhindi – Okra is stuffed with a spice mixture along with ground peanuts and cooked.

·         Besan wali bhindi – Gram flour is used to make a dry masala mixture and then the bhindi is cooked.

·         Dahi wali bhindi – After the okra is completely cooked, yogurt is added to it to make a gravy.

·         Bhindi do pyaza – Okra is cooked with a lot of onions. It has a sweet caramelized flavor of onions

Health and Nutrition Facts

Serving size – 1 bowl

Calories – 65, Fat – 2.5 g, Carbohydrates – 7 g, Fiber – 4 g

·         Bhindi sabji is low in calories and fat.  It is also a very good source of fiber and is  recommended for people who wish to lose weight.

·         Ladies finger has a high amount of soluble fiber and mucilage which help to lower cholesterol and reduces the risk of heart diseases. It also prevents constipation

·         It is a rich source of vitamin A, B6 and C. vitamin A helps to prevent macular degeneration and keeps the eyes healthy. Vitamin B6 is essential for development of DNA and RNA. Vitamin C helps to boost the immunity of the body.

·         Studies have proven that it helps to stabilize the blood sugar.